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CDC to Count Measles Deaths Using NCHS Definition

By Drooid · Sep 26, 2026, 11:03 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Kennedy Accuses Shapiro

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accused Governor Josh Shapiro of fabricating Pennsylvania measles deaths.
Governor Josh Shapiro said Kennedy’s remarks downplay severity and blame them for rising cases.
Rep. Frank Pallone wrote to CDC director Erica Schwartz requesting a briefing on the omitted deaths.
CDC said it will count measles deaths only when NCHS records list measles as underlying cause.
Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists is being consulted to create a standardized measles-death definition.

Summary

Pennsylvania Health Reports Outbreak

Pennsylvania Department of Health reports 890 measles cases, 173 hospitalizations and four deaths as of Sept 25 2026.
Lancaster County leads with 359 infections, followed by Mifflin County’s 102 cases.
State administered over 7,900 MMR doses in 2026, including 5,300 at 165 pop-up clinics since late April.
Health Secretary Deborah Bogan says CDC’s refusal to count the deaths undermines outbreak response.

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Kennedy Accuses Shapiro

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accused Governor Josh Shapiro of fabricating Pennsylvania measles deaths.
Governor Josh Shapiro said Kennedy’s remarks downplay severity and blame them for rising cases.
Rep. Frank Pallone wrote to CDC director Erica Schwartz requesting a briefing on the omitted deaths.
CDC said it will count measles deaths only when NCHS records list measles as underlying cause.
Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists is being consulted to create a standardized measles-death definition.

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